On Dec. 1, 2025, Ohio Wesleyan announced the creation of its endowed Conrades School of Engineering, supported by $17 million in alumni contributions, including a lead $13 million gift from alumni George Conrades, Class of 1961, and Patricia "Patsy" Belt Conrades, Class of 1963. The School launches with a Department of Engineering, a major in mechanical engineering, two engineering minors, and groundbreaking collaborations with industry partners.
As an engineer, you are a problem-solver and a world-changer. As an Ohio Wesleyan-trained engineer, you also have the liberal arts perspective needed to understand issues from multiple academic viewpoints and then to envision, design, refine, and produce the practical solutions needed.
The National Academy of Engineering estimates there are more than 2 million practicing engineers in the United States, working in fields such as biomedicine, energy, aerospace, computers, and others that "require people to create products that didn't exist before" with precision and elegance.
If you enjoy using math and science as foundational skills to solve vital challenges, you may wish to explore a career in engineering.
Beginning in fall 2027, Ohio Wesleyan will offer an accredited* mechanical engineering major with graduates earning a BSME (Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering) degree. *Ohio Wesleyan is pursuing accreditation from the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), widely considered the gold standard for engineering accreditation.
OWU's 3-2 engineering program provides a liberal arts-infused pathway for students interested in aerospace, biomedical, chemical, computer, environmental, and other engineering disciplines. Students spend three years at Ohio Wesleyan, followed by two years in an engineering program at an affiliated school, including Caltech, Washington University in St. Louis, and Case Western Reserve University. Graduates earn bachelor's degrees from both schools.
The Engineering Science minor provides students with foundational knowledge in key engineering and scientific principles, including introductory engineering methods, mechanics, mathematics, and physics. Students gain exposure to advanced engineering topics through elective options, preparing them for technical problem-solving and interdisciplinary collaboration in STEM fields. This minor is ideal for those seeking to complement their primary studies with analytical, quantitative, and design skills.
The Science and Engineering in the Public Interest minor equips students to understand the interactions among technology, policy, communication, and sustainability. By integrating core engineering courses with studies in science, communication, public policy, and ethics, students will be prepared to evaluate and influence technological solutions in societal contexts. This minor appeals to students interested in making a positive impact on science, engineering, and the public good.
Reinforcing its position as a leader in STEM education, OWU received a $500,000 grant from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation to provide scholarships for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degrees. More Information